Tag Archives: coronavirus

Nov14

2020 Approved Christmas Gift Ideas

Posted on by
Standard
2020 Approved Christmas Gift Ideas

Hello! 2020 has been a crazy year, to say the least. And, until the COVID-19 pandemic gets under control, things are going to remain crazy. The coronavirus may have put a damper on your upcoming holiday plans. However, you can still be the best gifter of the bunch with these totally approved for 2020 gift ideas. Check it out:

Streaming Subscription:

If one of your giftees doesn’t have a streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Shudder, or Amazon Prime, then this would be the perfect time to introduce them. Buy a subscription for them for a couple of months or, heck, the entire year! The gift of entertainment will certainly go a long way right now and it will give you someone new to talk about all of your favorite shows with.

Gift Cards:

To some, gift cards might feel like a cop out gift. I have never been under that impression and am never opposed to gift cards – especially right now! Gift cards are great because you can use them during online shopping so no visits to the store are required and your giftee can pick out exactly what they want. Safe, smart, and so simple.

Date Night In:

Staying in is the best thing you can do right now so why not create a date night in for your favorite couple? Try sending them a box from Blue Apron or Hello Fresh so that they can prepare a meal together and a new board game for the evening’s entertainment. The wine is optional but would not go unappreciated… For me, at least! 😀

Craft Kits:

Another fun idea for creating entertainment at home for your giftee is assembling a craft kit for them. Whether that be a wooden bird box and some paint for a nature lover, beautiful beads for a friend who makes jewelry, or a sketch pad and colored pencils for your favorite artist a craft kit is thoughtful and sure to be a success for your artistically inclined giftees.

2020 Care Package:

Honestly, everyone can use some help right now and a 2020 care package could be the biggest crowd pleaser of all. Fill a basket with hand made cloth masks from a local business, Purell, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. Is it the most fun? No. Is it the most useful? Absolutely! It’s just like getting socks for Christmas – no one necessarily loves it but they are always needed! 🙂

If you are struggling with coming up with gifts for everyone on your list, use the tips above for the ultimate 2020 approved ideas!

Are you all done holiday shopping? What are some of your best gift ideas for 2020? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov13

Getting Into The Holiday Spirit

Posted on by
Standard
Getting Into The Holiday Spirit

Hello!! Normally, the holiday season is an uber exciting time to get together with the people you love most and celebrate. However, with COVID-19 still on the up and up, these next few holidays might feel more daunting than anything. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be different this year but different doesn’t mean bad so try getting more into the holiday spirit with these ideas:

Host A Food Drive:

It’s nice to remember how fortunate we are during the holiday season but it’s even better to think about those who have less than you. So, how about hosting a food drive with your friend group or family? Choose some of your local food banks or homeless shelters to help support and see how big your donation haul can get. Offer a small reward to the person who collected the most goods and turn a collection drive into a yearly tradition.

Mystery Gifts:

Due to COVID, it is much easier and safer to online shop for holiday gifts instead of going into the store. A fun way to recognize this would be to send mystery gifts to your friends or family. No names, no cards – just a Zoom meeting after all of the gifts are received to see if anyone can guess who sent them theirs. Set your own rules like a spending limit or if hints can be given and see how well all of you know each other by sending off surprise gifts!

Arts & Crafts:

Having an abundance of time at home is perfect for trying your hand at some holiday themed crafts. Whether that be creating hand print turkeys with your little ones or having a boozy Christmas ornament decorating sesh with the girls, a craft night is a perfect way to get together and try something new. Have a Zoom meeting all together or social distance appropriately and, who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favorite hobby.

Countdown Memories:

Sadly, a lot of families will not be able to get together this holiday season and that sucks – for lack of a better word. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t participate in one of the most loved holiday activities – reminiscing on holidays of past. Create a slideshow or presentation of your top holiday memories complete with pictures, videos, or goofy memes to help better describe your favorite times. Send them off to those you hold dear and enjoy hearing about everyone else’s most treasured holiday memories.

Sponsor A Family:

The holiday season should, ideally, be a magical time for everyone but, unfortunately, that is not the case. If there is a family in your community that you know is struggling, lend a helping hand. Leave a surprise donation of toys, gift cards, food, and anything else that you think they would need to better enjoy their day. You might be able to make it the best holiday yet for someone who needs it the most.

How do you get into the holiday spirit? What are some of your favorite holiday memories? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov9

4 Ways To Keep Your Workers Safe & Healthy

Posted on by
Standard
4 Ways To Keep Your Workers Safe & Healthy

Your employees are the backbone of your company. They keep it up and running and help you reach your goals. Therefore, it’s wise to implement ways to keep your workers safe and healthy.

The following advice will help you maintain a productive and satisfactory workplace so everyone is happy and stays well. It’s your responsibility as the business owner and boss to ensure your work environment keeps your employee’s safe and that they feel comfortable coming into the office each day. You’ll find that you will deal with fewer accidents or mishaps and that your workers won’t be out sick as much when you follow through with these suggestions:

Clean & Disinfect Often:

If you want to continue to operate and serve your clients during these trying times, then you must be prepared to maintain a clean and sanitary workspace. It’s a reality that many business owners like yourself have to deal with and manage daily. Keep your workers safe and healthy by cleaning and disinfecting the work environment, surfaces, and your building often. Consider hiring a professional restoration services team that specializes in deep cleaning to protect against the coronavirus and other illnesses.

Document & Communicate Policies & Procedures:

Another way to keep your workers safe and healthy is to document and communicate policies and procedures. Put it in writing, so there is less confusion among your workers. You must set expectations early on and have rules in place that help keep them protected and out of harm’s way. Circulate these documents and provide copies to your employees so they can review them and ask any questions they have. These guidelines will help you to maintain a safe and healthy working environment.

Encourage A Culture Of Work/Life Balance:

It’s also wise to encourage a culture of work-life balance at your office. Keep your workers safe and healthy by letting them know the importance of them taking care of themselves and that they have your full support in doing so. They’ll have more energy and get better sleep this way and, in turn, will be more productive and content at work. Ensure each person has an amount of work they can realistically handle and have others jump in and help whenever necessary. You might also want to obtain an employee discount to a local gym and implement half-day Fridays during the summertime to show that you’re committed to this initiative. 

Train Your Employees:

You can also prevent injuries and keep your workers safe and healthy by training them. Make sure that they know how to work special equipment or handle toxic chemicals if applicable in your work environment. You want to do all that’s in your power to ensure your employees can do their jobs correctly while at the same time remaining safe and protected. You’re also showing that you’re invested in your workers by making sure they are properly trained and that you’re committed to them performing well on the job.

Implement the tips above and keep those in your company safe during the coronavirus pandemic!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov9

Ill Fitting Face Mask? Try This Quick Tip!

Posted on by
Standard
Ill Fitting Face Mask? Try This Quick Tip!

Hello! It is so important to wear a face mask right now to help with the spread of COVID-19. It is also so important that your face mask fits well and that there are no gaps anywhere that leave parts of your face exposed. I love my cloth masks, myself, because I find that they fit much better than the surgical masks, which are very loose on me.

My mom is a very petite lady and has the cutest little face. But that means that some cloth masks can be really big on her. This past week, she told me her secret for improving the fit of her masks and it is so simple and smart that I just had to share it with all of you:

E904F490-838A-42CA-B4C4-7F542A237264BCCCE1A0-E737-4DC9-A29A-254CF8664A01

If the top half of your cloth mask slides past your nose and can open up to expose the inside, then all you need is a bag of coffee grounds for the solution. Actually, all you need is the silver safety seal on a bag of coffee grounds to help keep it fresh.

Once your seal has been acquired, all you need to do is slide it up to the top crease of your mask through the opening. This will then act as a clamp so that you can tighten the top half, much like the tops of the blue surgical masks.

This quick fix has improved my mom’s mask game tenfold and all it takes is a bag of coffee. So, grab your favorite blend, keep caffeinated, use this tip, and pass it along to anyone who might find it helpful! 🙂

What are some of your fixes for an ill fitting mask? Where do you find the cutest face masks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct26

7 Pandemic Proof Jobs You Could Try

Posted on by
Standard
7 Pandemic Proof Jobs You Could Try

While COVID-19 has meant that many people have lost jobs, it has also highlighted those jobs which are needed more than ever. If you have been left unemployed or you are only just starting out in your career, then perhaps these jobs are something you should consider:

Teacher:

Parents have never appreciated teachers more now that they have had the experience of homeschooling their kids. Teachers are always going to be needed, and while a lot of teaching has or will move online, this will be an addition to the face to face learning meaning that there will be more jobs for teachers. Thanks to the use of video conferencing, it will be more commonplace to teach to people all over the world. So if teaching is something you have a passion for, then there are people who will always need you.

Skilled Tradespeople:

Plumbers and electricians, for example, can still do their jobs with little risk as they can social distance and wear PPE to protect themselves and their clients. You can also usually learn on the job with an apprenticeship such as this one here: https://www.abcksmo.org/training/plumbing-program/. Any kind of skilled trade you can learn is a wonderful thing because your job will always be needed. Certification programs in HVAC, for example, are often offered at community colleges. You will learn the ins and outs of your trade and become knowledgeable in various boiler supplies so you can expertly complete the task at hand. This is an especially enticing option for those who don’t want to spend time on a lengthier degree.

Healthcare Workers:

Again, healthcare workers have never been so important, and this will continue to be the case. While the world will be more prepared for a pandemic should one happen again, there will always be a need for more people to help people. Whether it’s those in a hospital or living in care homes, there are many vulnerable people who need health care.

Exercise Coaching:

While many gyms and exercise centers had to close due to the pandemic, exercise is still extremely important and very popular. A lot of personal trainers moved online, and this is something that will look to continue as people want to exercise from the safety of their own home but still want to learn and to be pushed by someone.

Delivery Drivers:

As more people order online, whether it be food or shopping, there is a higher demand for delivery drivers, and this doesn’t look set to change any time soon. You can start by working for somewhere like Amazon Flex or Deliveroo if you just want to make some money on the side.

IT Professionals:

We’ve also never been more reliant on technology and software engineers, web developers, and online security specialists are in demand. Digital skills are required in all industries, from e-commerce to automating processes in factories, so there is huge growth in this sector right now. There is also a lot of competition, but there’s no reason why you can’t beat that and be the one to get the job.

Cleaners:

Offices which are now open have to be extra vigilant with their cleaning, as do shops and services. Also, places like holiday homes need extra attention, so there is a greater need not just for more cleaners but for a deeper clean to eliminate the risk of COVID.

If you are on the hunt for a job, get inspired with the ideas above!

Featured Image By: 14995841 from Pixabay

Oct26

Ballooning Around

Posted on by
Standard
Ballooning Around

Hello! As of right now, there has been a sharp increase of COVID cases in Ohio. Myself and Johnny, both of our families, and all of my clients are hunkered down more than ever and the feeling of having “nothing to do” is particularly strong. As an independent provider for people with special needs, I am constantly trying to figure out ways to keep my clients entertained from the comfort of their home. This past month, I learned that something has simple as a balloon can be a whole lot of fun.

My most senior (and high risk) client’s brother celebrated a birthday in October, so we spent a lot of time making decorations and discussing birthdays of years’ past. The piece de resistance, however, was definitely when I blew up a ton of balloons the day before and the morning of the big day. My client loved selecting which color balloons he wanted and he wrote his brother’s name on every single one.

Once we had plenty of balloons ready, I asked my client if he wanted to hit it back and forth together and he was all for it. In fact, so much so that we have played “Balloon Bounce” pretty much every day that I’ve seen him since. This has been my “sneaky” way of incorporating a more, for lack of a better words, “active” activity into my client’s routine and he has so much fun that it doesn’t even feel like a little work out.

We have dubbed ourselves the Balloon Bounce International League and we have nicknames too! While we’re hitting the balloon, we always play our favorites tunes and it brings my client back to playing volleyball in the Special Olympics. My only rule? Placing items that could get hit throughout his room elsewhere so nothing breaks!

Balloon Bounce is one of the most simple past times I think I have ever come up with and it really is a blast. All it takes it a little creativity and imagination and even the smallest activities can become a new daily favorite. Hey, I’ll take it!

How do you get creative with activities at home? How did you celebrate any recent birthdays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Deeana Creates From Pexels

Oct24

Working In The Care Profession During COVID Times

Posted on by
Standard
Working In The Care Profession During COVID Times

Hello! For those of you who don’t know, I am an Independent Provider for people with special needs and I provide care in home and in the community. I have been an essential worker since the beginning of all of this COVID business in March and, I’ll be honest, sometimes I just want to crawl back in bed instead of go to work!

Because I work with some very high risk families, I have been essentially in my own state of lock down for the past seven months. Coffees with friends have turned into FaceTime dates and dinners out with Johnny just means Door Dashing something now. Of course, this is all A-okay, though, because I would never forgive myself if I ever brought this virus to any of my clients. It’s a lot of pressure but it’s just me doing my job.

I have come to terms with the fact that I will not be “going out” and Johnny has too, since we live together (Believe me, I wouldn’t want to. Just the thought of going to a bar or restaurant makes me cringe!). This has put us in very close acquaintance with our TV, Nintendo Switch, and each other literally every day, lol.

Although it can feel like a lot to be so limited to my apartment, I do still treat myself monthly to getting my nails done and it is my outing to look forward to. I know that many of those working in the care and health profession are doing everything that they can to keep their clients and patients safe and I applaud all of them because it’s not easy, that’s for sure.

I also encourage all of us who are hunkered down to participate in a “treat” to help lift your spirits. After a rough day at work or even just hearing the state of the world on the news, I never say no to a pick me up. Whether that be pampering myself with a face mask or maybe ordering something small online – it’s important for me to be in the best mood I can to continue being able to give the best care that I can to my clients every day.

I am very thankful to my clients and their families because they motivate me to be extra careful every day. I am also very thankful to everyone in the health and care profession as well as all employees right now who continue with their duties despite potentially being in harm’s way. We rock and I wish nothing but the best for all of you! ❤

How has your job been affected from COVID? How do you keep your spirits high right now? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct15

It’s A Walk In The Park

Posted on by
Standard
It’s A Walk In The Park

Hello! A super nice thing about October other than all Halloween everything is that Johnny has every Friday off. I, on the other hand, always have Fridays off so it has been really fun having an extra day to spend with him on our weekends. Although we are always okay with staying at home with our video games and streaming services, we decided to have a little field trip this past Friday.

Johnny and I loaded into his mini van and went for a drive through the Cuyahoga Valley. We admired the changing leaves while enjoying the pleasant temperatures of an autumn day, all set to the tunes of Dire Straits which Johnny deemed appropriate driving music. Sadly, he passed on my offer to play some Cardi B but that’s neither here nor there.

Regardless of what our soundtrack was, it was exciting to be doing something with my boyfriend other than sitting in the apartment. He had just gotten his hair done and looked SO fine and driving around and talking and laughing had me falling in love all over again. :*)

We stopped off at one of the hiking trails before heading home and took an excursion around Indigo Lake. We explored train tracks and Johnny proved to be an excellent stone skipper. I proved to be… Anyways, it was a hoot. To be out in the public of nature together was refreshing for both of us because we don’t venture out often now, as safety is our primary concern.

Johnny and I were both kitted out in our fall Sunday’s Best but, as always, it was back in our comfy clothes as soon as we returned home. We settled in for an evening of weird comedies like Tim & Eric’s Bedtime Stories and The Mighty Boosh and it was a great day. ❤

If you’re feeling cooped up from being at home a lot now, don’t discount the benefits of spending some time outdoors. I think you’ll be glad you did. 🙂

How do you safely go out right now? Where is your favorite place to go hiking? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct3

Quarantine Routines

Posted on by
Standard
Quarantine Routines

Hello! I’ll tell you what, ever since March 19th (The day bars and restaurants in Ohio temporarily shut down) my life has changed drastically. For my big girl job, I provide care in home for people with special needs and, now, more than ever it is my responsibility to continue staying healthy for those who need me.

Due to the nature of my job, going out for frivolity is the last thing on my mind. Back track to 2019 and it was the only thing on my mind, lol! Going to shows with Johnny, restaurants, movies, TJMAXX!!! Ugh, I miss all of that so much.

My “normal” routines of going here, there, and everywhere definitely seem to be a thing of the past. So, obviously, I had to fill up all of this newfound free time with other things. They are still fun for me, of course, but I don’t think any of these options trump my bimonthly TJMaxx shopping trips with my mom. Haha, check it out:

Reading:

I have read so many freaking books in the past six months, it is insane. My goal has been to try and finish at least two to three per month and I have achieved it every time. It has been fun to experiment with different authors like Lucy Foley and Ilaria Tuti. Both Johnny and I have also been enjoying our Audible subscription for books on tape, as well. We are always open to author and book suggestions so keep them coming!

Language Learning:

Yes, I currently am still learning French, Spanish, Italian, Czech, and German on Duolingo. I make an effort to try and practice each language four times per week, bare minimum, and so far so good. What I would really like to do in the next month or so is purchase the Duolingo Plus subscription so I never run out of hearts while practicing. This seems very necessary when learning five languages and, once I get Duo Plus, I’d like to start learning a sixth. Any ideas as to which one?

Online Shopping:

Maybe once or so per week, I will take ten to fifteen minutes to browse through some of my favorite online stores to window shop. Mainly TJMaxx, Unique Vintage, ModCloth, and Nasty Gal. It is definitely not the same as regular shopping but it somewhat satisfies that itch to go browse the aisles in person!

When I’m not aimlessly scrolling through websites and saying “oh that’s cute” about basically everything, I am trying to do some early Christmas shopping. With a long list of people to shop for, it is never too early to start the Xmas process and I am pleased with the slow and steady progress I’ve been making.

Movie Nights:

Johnny and I have decided to put a halt to finding something we can both agree on when it comes to movies. Now, we alternate whose pick it is for our movie nights and it has been great! Normally, Johnny will pick a war documentary or movie and I will choose a horror, psychological thriller, or foreign film. I love being able to see all of his favorites and it is exciting to rack my brain and browse through our streaming services to select my next pick!

Are these new routines the most exciting? Well… No. But they are as exciting as I choose to make them and I still always end up having an awesome and totally safe time at home. 🙂

What should Johnny and I watch next? How about a great new suggestion on Audible? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep29

Having Trouble Focusing While Working From Home?

Posted on by
Standard
Having Trouble Focusing While Working From Home?

Many of us have had to get used to the prospect of working from home over the past few months. While there are undeniable benefits to being able to take care of business in your own space, a lot of people have trouble adjusting to it, as well. If you’re having trouble getting productive, here are a few solutions that might help you get back on top of things:

You’re not making time for it:

With the flexibility that comes with working from home, it might feel tempting to simply do work whenever it suits you and not have any solid plans. However, this tends to end up wrecking your work-life balance. It’s a good idea to find what time you’re more productive and create a daily schedule around that, complete with strict starting and finishing times. This way, your life and work-life don’t start to bleed together to the point that you feel like you have to be half “on” whenever you’re in the home.

You’re surrounded by clutter:

It might sound like the difference would be minimal, but a neat and organized desk actually has a big impact on your mental condition while you’re working. Clutter has been shown to be a more significant cause of stress than we otherwise give it credit for. Maximizing closet space and making use of things like desk trays in the home office can ensure that you’re not surrounded by bits and bobs all day long. You may find that your office space becomes cluttered quickly because you don’t have enough surfaces to work at. If that is the case, then it might be time to check out Office Monster to see if there is any furniture that you could add to your current set up to help better organize your space so you can complete your day’s work free of distractions.

Your office doesn’t give the right vibe:

This point might sound nebulous, but getting yourself in the right headspace to work is vitally important. As such, investing in decor that can help you create a quirky but professional vibe is important. You want to make sure that you’re surrounded by imagery and designs that inspire and energize you while also ensuring that the workplace is subtle enough that it doesn’t serve as an ongoing distraction.

For some people, it might be as simple as hanging a few pieces of art to give the room some life. For others, it could be a total change of scenery to complete a huge deadline. If this is the case, utilizing Hamilton Cabin Hire (or a similar service in your local area) could give you a welcome reprieve from your home office to focus fully. Your best work might just be a long weekend away.

You’re physically uncomfortable:

Of course, even if your office gives the vibe you need and is organized to perfection, you’re going to have a hard time enjoying it if you’re dealing with a sore back. You might not notice the impacts of poor posture immediately, but if you start to feel some aches and pains in your back and joints towards the end of the day, that means it’s time to look at your chair and desk setup. Ergonomic furniture design can help support these achy parts of you, leading to a more comfortable working day while decreasing the chances that you might actually injure yourself.

It isn’t always easy to create a home office that feels right for your working needs. However, it’s worth taking the time to implement fixes and find what works for you rather than letting yourself start to hate the prospect of working at home entirely.

Featured Image By: Pexels